Qatar’s capital Doha, already an impressive and modern city, will get a further facelift in the next five years, thanks to a QR1bn fund offered by the government for its beautification and development, HE the Minister of Municipality and Environment Mohamed bin Abdullah al-Rumaihi has said.

“There is also a great interest in developing the towns on the outskirts of the city,” he revealed in an interview telecast by Qatar Television. “After the development of Al Wakrah and Al Khor, there are plans for the development of Al Sheehaniya and partial development of Al Shamal,” he said.

The development of Doha city includes the demolition of old buildings and broadening of streets, in addition to the urban development of neighbourhoods. “I have instructed the urban development sector to be strict in abiding by the relevant statutes and the creation of Furjan markets and playgrounds for the convenience of the people,” al-Rumaihi explained. The minister said the unjust blockade imposed on the country resulted in intensifying work and doubling production in the agricultural field, thereby enhancing food production and food security. Many projects have been accomplished without any negative impacts.

The Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) supports modern farming and agricultural methods that save water, land and fertiliser. “In 2017, the production of vegetables, poultry and livestock has doubled. At the same period, we launched two fish farming projects in the sea to produce 2,000 tonnes of fish that would meet the local demand and we could export the surplus. Another project for shrimp farming would be launched in 2018,” the minister said. The fish farming project at Ras Matbakh would provide 4mn fishlings a year. Other projects at Al Sheehaniya aim to breed livestock and maintain the pedigree of camels, sheep and goats.